Loco's update

Well I might as well start with for the most part with as some of my friend's know that my not so happy marrage to my ex did end very bitterly but I'm the best for it now, I back to working as a full time carny (carnival ride opperator) and I have been doing some real soul searching to re-find myself I did lose it for a good long time but now I'm doing it one day at a time witch works best for me.My back is giving out, I'm faced with the reality of getting older, my body is not what it once was.I've got my wits though, and I use my head a lot more than I use my back as I get older.I am faced with the reality that I will have to give it up within the next few years, or sooner perhaps.As much as I hate being a Carny, at times I still love it, and it will be a sad day when I have to gne day, I'll be one of those people that shows up at the lot to say hi and see how everyone's doing. We'll talk about the old days, me and my buddie's, we'll laugh, then I'll leave and go back to my boring life in the regular world. I'll be sad I can't leave with them.I've seen this happen to other people, watched them walk off the lot, knowing they really wanted to stay, envying me.And at some level I knew that my time would come too, I can feel it drawing nearer, it makes me shiver.
I don't know where I'm going from here, it's scary. I'll find a new path in life I guess, if anyone knows good one, let me know.anyway its nice to be back home and I will post more about my frist trip from SD to FL in the future .

I know another carnie from the 'net - calls himself TexCritter. The show he is working is doing mostly gigs in the mid MidWest - Arkansas, Missouri, around that area. Like you, he both loves and hates the carnie's life. He spent the winter in Atlanta this last year, and was "moonlighting" setting up an in-house computer network for the shelter operators he was staying with - said it kind of sucked, but had its good points as well.

I actually suggested he build an MB, as that would be a good local transport around gig sites, and could easily be added to one of the show rigs as tied on load between them. He's pretty busy right now (it being carnival season and all), and hasn't replied lately. I expect he's been in places where leaching WiFi access isn't so easy.

It sounds like an interesting, if difficult lifestyle. I can commiserate with facing limitations and life changes as you get older, believe me.

You know today as I was setting up some rides I was thinking about my trip last year and it got me thinking about all the people in the world telling us we can't succeed, You are never going to make it on that thing ,your going to ride a bike accross the US? You know we need to hear people telling us we can.Too often we think it's our role to inject a dose of "reality" into someone's life,But who's? mine is differant from there's, We think it's our job to protect people from the pain of failure and defeat. We think we must point out how bad the economy is and how horrible the job market is and how the sky is falling. We think that dreams were meant for others.

I say there are enough pessimists and "realists" in the world. The world doesn't need more negativity and impossible thinkers. The world needs more optimists, encouragers, and inspirers.The world needs more people to speak into the hearts of others and say "I believe in you." "Follow your passion and live your purpose." "If you have the desire then you also have the power to make it happen." "Keep working hard." "You're improving and getting better. Keep it up." "The economy is tough but you can still grow your business." "The job market is not great but I believe you'll find the right job for you." "We've hit a lot of obstacles but we'll get the project finished." "Even if you fail it will lead to something even better." "You're learning and growing."

When it comes to encouragement I know that every one of us loves working for and with people who bring out the best in us. We love being around people who uplift us and make us feel great. And while we'll always remember the negative people who told us we couldn't accomplish something, we will always cherish and hold a special place in our heart for those who encouraged us. today I want to encourage you to be an encourager. So often the difference between success and failure is belief. And so often that belief is instilled in us by someone who encouraged us.Today decide to be that person who instills a positive belief in someone who needs to hear your encouraging words. Uplift someone who is feeling down. Fuel your team with your positive energy. Rally others to focus on what is possible rather than what seems impossible.Share encouragement. It matters and we all need it.

Loco, sometimes you got to do what "you" got to do. I used to analyse contracts for "corporate America". I lived that lifestyle, etc. One of the best days in my life was when I quit. I say, "one of" because I've had so many great days since then. I can't say that I know how hard it is to give up something you love, I hated my job (but loved the money). I hope you can find a way forward.